One of the best ways to extend your livable space at home is to expand into the outdoors. While doing this, make sure to visit sites like The Patio Pro to read the reviews of various different products before stepping out to buy them. When plans to knock down that wall, or renovate your guest bedroom might not make the most sense, a new outdoor living space can be just what you need. Here are a few tips to help you when you start to design an outdoor patio.
1. Be Realistic
The best way to begin is to come up with a solid plan, design and a budget. Consider what the must-haves are and designate space accordingly. Do you plan to entertain? Are you looking for privacy? Do you have a pool, or want a pool? If you are constrained by space, budget or both, try to create an outdoor space that you will actually use and not something you’ll want to renovate again next year. Try not to be distracted by a shiny new design, but instead aim to create a space that will make your home feel bigger.
2. Plan for Real Life
While the pictures in that DIY blog you saw evoke a fairy tale oasis, ask yourself if what you think you want and what you’ll get the most use out of are the same thing. If you have kids, consider an area for them to play, especially if your friends and neighbors have kids as well. That brick patio may not be the softest landing for your five-year old diving head first down the slide.
If you plan to entertain outdoors and want to include a dining space, be sure to plan for logistics. If you’ll be creating an outdoor kitchen or cooking area, consider safety by locating grills away from where guests will be. If you want to dine outdoors, but will be using your indoor kitchen, consider the path between the two, and make sure a clear, well lit, walkway will be waiting for you when that first dinner party happens.
3. Don’t Fear the Postseason
Depending on where you live, you might be planning to shut down the outdoor patio when the cold weather hits, but I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t give up so easily! A properly placed fire pit and/or outdoor space heaters can make that outdoor patio enjoyable year round. Worried about snow? Radiant heating elements can be built into your patio floor to automatically melt snow when it senses precipitation.
4. Have Fun with Color and Style
Your outdoor patio space can be whatever you want it to be, and in fact, should be a reflection of your own style. Bright colored seat cushions can really liven up a space, and if you live in an urban setting, a few potted plants can go a long way towards creating that natural feel.
Lighting is another important element that you can have a bit of fun with. Maybe you’ve always loved tiki torches, or perhaps you envision a magical awning of stringed lights, either way don’t overlook lighting as an important part of the design and function of your outdoor patio. If running power outdoors is an issue, there are a ton of great solar powered options that are both easy to use and won’t add to your electric bill.
5. Finally, Choose Your Furniture
The furniture you choose for your patio can have a major effect on how (and if) you actually use it. First, consider your environment. If you live in a wind tunnel, you might want to avoid lightweight plastic furniture, or you’ll be chasing it down the street. Alternatively, if your summer temperatures reach above 100 degrees, wicker or wood furniture may be the best option, as those wrought iron chairs will get hot! If you live in Phoenix and you absolutely must have that beautiful wrought iron patio set, go the extra mile and add an umbrella for shade, you’ll be happy you did.
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